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Aidan O'Brien pair to clash in 292,000 race as trainer looks to close in on record

It takes place at one of the greatest flat meetings of the year

[Aidan OBrien]

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Aidan OBrien(Image: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo)

The Aidan O'Brien-trained pair of Christmas Day and Pierre Bonnard will renew their rivalry in the Sky Bet Great Voltigeur Stakes at York on Wednesday.

The four-day meeting kicks off with seven races on the Knavesmire, including the 1m4f Group 2 contest, which O'Brien has won five times with Milan (2001), Powerscourt (2003), Idaho (2016), Continuous (2023) and Los Angeles (2024). Another win would bring him to within one of equaling Michael Stoute's record for victories in the race.

Christmas Day finished a neck ahead of Pierre Bonnard when runner-up to stablemate Benvenuto Cellini in the Irish Derby on good ground in late June. That race came just over three weeks after Ronan Whelan won the Epsom Derby on Christmas Day when the going was soft. Ryan Moore will partner Christmas Day for the first time since he finished third on him in the Dante at York back in May.

William Haggas' charge Maltese Cross, who was second to Christmas Day at Epsom, when beaten two and three quarter lengths, also runs in a very strong Great Voltigeur renewal. The son of Sea The Stars has since crossed the Channel to claim success in the Group One Grand Prix de Paris at Longchamp.

O'Brien also runs rank outsider Antigua, while Superior Choice makes the step up in grade for the Gosdens following three consecutive victories. Andrew Balding's Galiyan completes the six-runner field.

Writing in his World Pool blog, Moore said: "I ride Christmas Day here. He won the Derby at Epsom and backed that up with a really good effort in the Irish Derby. He will have to carry a penalty, but the mile-and-a-half will suit him well.

"Hes had a look round York before when he ran in the Dante where he didnt run bad at all, so he has a good chance.

"We also run Pierre Bonnard. His season hasnt really gone the way we hoped it would. He was beaten on his first couple of starts and he didnt enjoy the bad ground at Epsom.

"He ran really well in the Irish Derby though, when running on to finish third, and I think York will suit him. He looks to have good claims as well."

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